UNDP Jobs - 67607- Project Assistant - SU IV (NEX project)

Project Assistant - SU IV (NEX project) - 2 positions

Location :

Biratnagar and Dhangadhi, NEPAL

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2016

Application Deadline :

06-Aug-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year with possibility of extension.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Local Governance and Community Development Programme (LGCDP) is a national programme which is being implemented by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD) and supported by 14 development partners under different financial arrangements. LGCDP’s Programme Document(PD) comprehensively describes LGCDP’s rationale and approach along with its vision, goals and purpose. The individual programme components and management arrangements are also fully described in the PD as is the Programme log frame and the results and reporting framework. Under the overall supervision of the National Programme Director (NPD) and the day-to-day supervision of the National Programme Manager (NPM), the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) is responsible for providing support for the implementation of agreed programme activities.

The overarching goal of the programme is to contribute towards poverty reduction through better local governance reform and community development. The goal of the Programme is aligned with national goal and will contribute either directly or indirectly to the achievement of the national poverty reduction goal by empowering citizens and responding to their priority needs, while at the same time strengthening decentralized local governance, and facilitating community development.

The Programme provides an overall framework for: (i) strengthening decentralization and devolution processes; (ii) improving local governance system to ensure effective delivery of basic services; and (iii) empowering citizens, especially women, children and disadvantaged groups (DAGs) and their institutions.

Because of the nature of the Program in terms of its size, scope and coverage, the government felt the need for the technical assistance (TA) at both the national and sub-national levels for the successful operation of the Programmme. Accordingly, the Policy and Programme Support Facility (PPSF) has been established to extend technical assistance to the Program as envisioned in the Program Document and Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA). Under PPSF, the technical assistance to LGCDP II is managed through central level Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) and Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) in each of the six cluster offices of LGCDP II where thematic specialists, LGCDP Local Officers are stationed.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Assistant will work directly under the supervision of Regional coordinator (RC) and in close coordination with the Administrative Officer in PCU for effective and efficient implementation of the programme activities in districts. The Program Assistant will report to the CC/ PCU and submit his/her outputs/results to the PCU and would accomplish assignments under the overall supervision of the Programme Management and Programme coordination Unit of LGCDP.

More specifically the PA will be involved in following specific activities:

Research and Monitoring

Support RCU in monitoring progress of programme inputs in the region and districts and assist to document the progress on a monthly and quarterly basis;
Maintain update and monitor the Programme budget expenditure in all the districts of the region. Make analyses and provide feedback to the RCU and PCU;
Monitor and track financial management, expenditures of the programme budget and resources to ensure more transparent system establishment in the DDC;
Reconcile and review the financial statements, bank accounts and other financial aspects of the RCU.

Programme Implementation

Assist Regional Manager and LGCDP Focal Points in the implementation of programme activities in the district to ensure achievement of progress as targeted by the programme;
Organize and manage workshop, training and orientation programmes as and when required for the effective implementation of programme;
Work in coordination with partner organizations: DDC, and sectoral devolution LAs of districts for planning, implementation and periodic reporting of progress;
Assist Regional Manager to organize regional networking meetings of the DDCs and regional level, LAs.

Documentation

Assist Regional Manager in carrying out the works of documenting the progress, achievements, effects and impacts and publish best practices and challenging issues related to programme and other important issues. The PA is expected to review and analyze progress information, prepare relevant case studies etc. for good documentation of regional efforts.

Administrative Management

Be responsible for office management under the direct guidance of the Regional Manager;
Be responsible to maintain and forward leave record travel orders of the staff;
Maintain record of office purchase goods, received goods from other sources both expendable and non-expendable items;
Handle and properly maintain the computer, photocopy fax email and other facilities available in the office;
Processing and Follow up e mail, letters, reports and other job assigned by Regional Manager and PCU;
Maintain records for the dispatch and registration of letters and documents.

Financial Management

Handle petty cash and reimbursement of petty cash bills from Programme Management;
Be responsible to maintain all financial transactions of RCU by keeping proper accounts, invoices of the regular expenditures;
Assist support annual audit exercise commissioned by UNDP and MoFALD;
Support district offices in proper maintenance of administration and financial system as per the NEX rule and Government rules and management system of programme.

Competencies

Work prioritization and ability to multitask;
Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality concerning financial and employee files;
Excellent interpersonal skills;
Shares knowledge and experience;
Positive, constructive attitude;
Ability to work and act under pressure with discretion in politically sensitive environment with a minimum of comfort;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
Ready to work independently, under tight deadlines;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment with a positive attitude;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Completion of Intermediate Level in Management, Social Science or related fields. Bachelors’ degree is preferable.

Work Experience:

At least three years' working experience on office management including financial management.

Computer and Language skills:

Good command of computer skills on Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point etc.)
Good command of oral and written communication skills in both Nepali and English.